Local volunteers recognised and honoured

Date published: 22 March 2018

Nearly 100 local organisations were honoured today in recognition of the outstanding work they carry out in their communities.

The Department for Communities held a celebration event in Mossley Mill to mark the 15th anniversary of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise their outstanding work.

Since the Award was created, 96 organisations from Northern Ireland have received this recognition.

Leo O’Reilly, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities said: “This celebration event acknowledges the tireless work of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community. These groups clearly improve the quality of life and opportunity for others and provide an outstanding service. They fully deserve this recognition. ”

Sir Martyn Lewis Chair of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is our country’s top award for groups of volunteers who beaver away at grassroots level to transform some aspect of life in their local community. Since being established by the Queen to mark her Golden Jubilee in 2002, the awards have shown the people of Northern Ireland at their very best, coming together from all sections of society to touch virtually every area of need.  Volunteering taps into a rich spirit of generosity and kindness, which I recognise only too well from my schooldays in Northern Ireland.”

Denise Hayward, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now, said: “Volunteer Now is delighted to be involved with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and with support from the Department for Communities we have been able to raise the profile of the Award and help many more volunteers get recognition for the time and commitment that they give to our communities. This has been a great event highlighting the real difference that volunteers can make.”

Notes to editors: 

  1. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service accolade is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK and has an equivalent status to an MBE for individuals.  The Award is across all regions in the UK.  It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.
  2. A list of volunteer organisations who have received awards during the 15 years of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is available.
  3. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3509 or email: press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
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